Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab
Vaasanlaivat - Vasabåtarna - Page 1
 
 
This is the first of three pages devoted to postcards of services between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden) operated by Vaasanlaivat (Vasabåtarna in Swedish - the ships carried different names on each side of the hull). Later ships are covered on Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 2 and Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 3.
 
An alphabetical list of ships covered on this page is shown below. The Table beneath gives links to complete postcard history pages on selected individual ships. Below the table are official postcards of the fleet in chronological order.
 
The company was originally known as Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab, but later changed its name to Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna (in Finnish/Swedish). Vaasanlaivat was bought by Sally Line, part of the Silja Line consortium, in 1982. The title was later changed to Wasa Line, and finally the route was integrated into the main Silja Line fleet until its closure in 2001. Following Silja Line's withdrawal from the Vaasa-Umeå route, a service has been operated by RG Line using the Casino Express (ex-Fennia) which had served on this route since 1986.
 
 
Links to the Ships on This Page - 1955-75:-
Botnia Express (1) - 1965-75
Fenno Express - 1971-85
Korsholm - 1949-59
Korsholm II - 1948-59
Korsholm III - 1958-67
Örnen (1) - 1959-66
Örnen (2) - 1969
Polar Express - 1968-82
Pörtö - 1948-49
Scania Express - 1971-76
Vaasa - 1962-62
Wasa Express (1) - 1964-75
 
Links to the Ships on Page 2 - 1976-84:-
Botnia Express (2) - 1979-92
Fenno Express - 1971-85
Sally Express - 1983-84
Wasa Express (2) - 1976-83 and 1984-88
Wasa Express (3) - 1983-84
Wasa Star - 1981-82
 
Links to the Ships on Page 3 -1985-2001 :-
Bolero - 1985 (chartered)
Casino Express - RG Line, 2001-
Fennia - 1986-2001
Fenno Star - 1991
Jet Cat - 1988 (charter)
Sally Star - 1987
Silja Festival - 1994/94
Wasa Express (4) - 1987
Wasa Jubilee - 1998
Wasa King - 1991-92
Wasa Prince - 1989-91
Wasa Queen - 1991-92
Wasa Sun - 1993
 
Links to Associated Pages:-
Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 1 - Ships acquired before 1976 (this page!)
Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 2 - Ships acquired 1976-86
Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 3 - Ships acquired after 1986
Estline
Jakob Lines
Sally Line UK
Scandinavisk Linietrafik
Sessan Line
Viking Line - Page 1 - Viking Line Ships 1959-1978
Viking Line - Page 2 - Viking Line Ships 1979-1980
Ferry Postcards
Simplon Postcards Home Page
 
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Table of Ship Histories

Name

Other names

 Built
 Bolero  Prince of Fundy II, Scandinavica, Jupiter, Crucero Express, Seminole Express, Magic I

 1973
 Botnia Express (2)  Diana, Alandia

 1972
 Fennia  Casino Express

 1966
 Fenno Star  Viking III, Terje Vigen, Scandinavia, Sandefjord, Sagafjord

 1965
 Sally Express  Viking 5, The Viking, Bolette, Boughaz

 1974
 Sally Star  Travemünde, Travemünde Link, Wasa Express (4), Thjelar

 1974
 Scania Express  Scania, Polheim, Nereus

 1963
 Silja Festival  Wellamo (4)

 1986
 Wasa Express (2)  Viking 3, Roslagen

 1970
 Wasa Express (3)  Viking 1, Khalid 1, Mecca 1, Al Hussein II, etc

 1970
 Wasa Express (4)  Travemünde, Travemünde Link, Sally Star, Thjelar

 1974
 Wasa King  Viking Sally, Silja Star, Estonia

 1980
 Wasa Prince  Kalle III, The Viking, Peder Olsen, Moby Lally

 1974
 Wasa Queen  Bore Star, Finnpartner, Silja Star, Orient Express, Eurosun, Orient Sun

 1975
 Wasa Sun  Stena Normandica, St Brendan, Moby Vincent

1974
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vaasa-Umeå Fleet List
 
Part 1 - Ships Acquired Before 1976
 
 
Pörtö (1948-49)
 
Vaasanlaivat´s first ship was the Pörtö. She was built as the Hillersjö in Gävle in 1884. Hillersjö was sold in 1927 to Ångfartygs AB Gamla Svartsjölandet, renamed Hesselby. In 1935 Hesselby was sold to Meritoimi in Finland and renamed Toimi. Toimi was used for traffic between Helsinki-Hangö-Turku. In 1946 Toimi was transfered to Oy Suomi Tug Co. Ab and named Pörtö. She was put to service between Vaasa-Umeå. Pörtö was bought by the newly established company, Rederi Vasa-Umeå Ab in 1948 and continued in traffic between Vaasa and Umeå. She was withdrawn from traffic in 1949 and replayced by Korsholm.
 
A postcard of Vaasanlaivat´s first ship Pörtö, in service as the Hillersjö.
 
 
 
 
 
Korsholm (1948-59)
 
Rederi Vasa-Umeå´s second ship was the Korsholm. She was built in 1898 as the Tjust. She was used on a route Stockholm-Västervik, until 1947. Tjust was then sold to Rederi Vasa-Umeå in 1948. Made her maiden
voyage for the company was in May 1949 as the Korsholm. Korsholm was sold for scrapping to Romutus Oy, Helsinki, in 1959
 
 
A postcard of Rederi Vasa-Umeå´s second ship, Korsholm.

 
 
 
 
Korsholm II (1955-67)
 
Korsholm II was bought by Rederi Ab Wasa-Umeå in 1955. She was sold in 1962. She had originally been built in 1893 as the Fredrik Wilhem. Between 1920-40 she operated for Finska Ångfartygs Ab (FÅA) as the Viola. She survived as the diesel-powered coaster Messina I in 1999.
 
 
A postcard from the inner habour of Vaasa, in the beginning of the 1960s. From left Korsholm II, Ragne( Sveabolaget), Örnen and the tugboat Assistans.
Produced by: Kuvataide-Bildkonst Number: 596/6
Photo : Fred Runeberg
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
Korsholm III (1958-67)
 
Korsholm III was bought from Sweden 1958 (ex-Öland). She was sold in 1967 to the Finnish Navy. Today she is still afloat in Sweden, under the name Stockholm.
 
 
An official postcard from Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab of Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
An official postcard from Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab, showing Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
An official postcard from Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab, showing Örnen and Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Postcard of Korsholm III.
Scan: Fakta om Fartyg.
 
Vaasa Oy Offsetpaino postcard of Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Gevaert postcard of Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Petomaani (Turku) postcard of Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Örnen (1) (1959-66)
 
Örnen was bought from Rederi Svea in Sweden 1959 and sold to Italy in 1966.
 
 
An official postcard from Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab showing Örnen.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
An official postcard from Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab, showing Örnen and Korsholm III.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
A postcard of Örnen (1) and Vaasa, lying in Örnsköldsvik.
Published by: Frånbergs Pappershandel, Örnsköldsvik
Photo: T. Lindeberg
Serial Number: 340
 
An enlarged image of Örnen (1) and Vaasa from the postcard above.
 
An further enlarged image of Örnen (1) from the postcard above.
 
A postcard from the inner habour of Vaasa, in the beginning of the 1960s. From left Korsholm II, Ragne( Sveabolaget), Örnen and the tugboat Assistans.
Produced by: Kuvataide-Bildkonst Number:596/6
Photo : Fred Runeberg
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
Vaasa (1962-62)
 
Vaasa was a cargo ship, built to handle 80cars during high season. She was built in Falkenbergsvarv in Sweden 1962, for Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab. It was the company's only newbuilding. The ship was delivered in December 1962 and christened Vaasa. During the winter season Vaasa was chartered to Finnlines, mainly on
Finland-England routes. In the summer of 1963 she was used for transport cars between Vaasa and Örnsköldsvik. The ship was chartered to Wallenius company the following winter. In 1964 Vaasa was sold to Norway.
 
 
Photograph of Vaasa.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
A postcard of Örnen (1) and Vaasa, lying in Örnsköldsvik.
Published by: Frånbergs Pappershandel, Örnsköldsvik
Photo: T. Lindeberg
Serial Number: 340
 
An enlarged image of Örnen (1) and Vaasa from the postcard above.
 
An further enlarged image of Vaasa from the postcard above.
 
 
 
 
 
Wasa Express (1) (1964-75)
 
Wasa Express (1) was built as the Prinsessan Margaretha in 1955 by Helsingör Skips & Maskinbyggeri A/S, Helsingör, Denmark, for Rederi Ab Göteborg-Frederikshavn Linjen. Prinsessan Margaretha was sold in 1961 to Rederi Ab Gotland for use as the Thjelvar, for services between Nynäshamn-Visby, and sometimes to Västervik/Oskarshamn. In 1964 she was sold again to Oy Vaasa-Umeå, for use on services from Vasa to Umeå, Sundsvall or Örnsköldsvik as the Wasa Express (1). In 1974 she was chartered for a few months to Jakob Lines for their service between Jakobstad and Skellefteå. She received the marketing name Nord Express. In 1975 Wasa Express (1) was sold to Egyptian owners as Al Arnoud, and was broken up in 1995. A complete postcard history of this ship is available on this link.
 
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå postcard (published by Maahantioja, serial 93-4) of Wasa Express (1).
Photo: Kurt Björklund
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå postcard of Wasa Express (1).
Scan: Fakta om Fartyg.
 
Grako postcard, serial number 119/67, of Wasa Express (1) lying in Holmsund.
Photo: Giovanni Trimboli. Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
A postcard of Wasa Express (1) lying in Holsund, Sweden.
Photo: Giovanni Trimboli, produced by Grako and number 119/49.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
A postcard of Wasa Express (1) lying in Holsund, Sweden.
Photo: Giovanni Trimboli, produced by Grako and number 119/44.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Wasa Express (1) in the port of Vasa. Produced by Kuultokuva , number V1148.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Wasa Express (1) in the port of Vasa , Produced by Kuultokuva, number V1157.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Grafisk Konst postcard 119/26 of Wasa Express (1) in the port Umeå.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Postcard of Wasa Express (1) in Sundsvall.
 
 
 
 
 
Botnia Express (1) (1965-75)
 
Botnia Express (1) was built in 1960 by Ålborg Skipsværft A/S, Denmark, as the Prinsessan Christina of Göteborg-Frederikshavn Linjen (Sessan Line). In 1965 Prinsessan Christina was chartered to Skandinavisk Linietrafik A/S (Scandinavian Ferry Lines) for service between Kiel-Korsør. In 1966 she was chartered to Stena Line for use as "The Londoner" between Tilbury and Calais. In 1966 Prinsessan Christina was sold to Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab and was renamed Botnia Express (1), serving on the route Vasa-Sundsvall. In 1975 she was sold for further service in Uruguay.
 
 
Vaasa postcard number: 129 of Botnia Express (1).
Photo: Kurt Björklund. Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Vaasa postcard number: 264 of Botnia Express (1).
Photo: Kurt Björklund. Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Vaasa postcard number: 127-3 of Botnia Express (1).
Photo: Kurt Björklund. Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Förlag Norrlandstryckeriet AB postcard (Sundsvall) number: 1185 of Botnia Express (1).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Friedrich Kort postcard (serial OK562) of Botnia Express (1).
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Botnia Express (left) and Polar Express.
Photo and production: Kurt Björklund,Vaasa (serial number 202).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
Polar Express (1968-82)
 
Polar Express was built in 1963 by Aalborg Skipsvaerft A/S, Ålborg, Denmark, as the Prinsessan Margaretha of Göteborg-Frederikshavn Linjen (Sessan Line). In 1968, Prinsessan Margaretha was sold to Oy Vasa-Umeå Ab as the Polar Express. In 1982 Polar Express was sold to Oy Jakob Lines Ab, but was sold again in 1984 for service in the Middle East.
 
 
The first official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Polar Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
A postcard of Polar Express. Photo and produced by Kurt Björklund, Vaasa, serial number 65.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Polar Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg. Photo U. Heinonen.
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Polar Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg. Photo U. Heinonen.
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Botnia Express (left) and Polar Express.
Photo and production: Kurt Björklund,Vaasa (serial number 202).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Grako Production (serial number 1240) postcard of Polar Express (alongside) and Scania Express.
Photo Giovanni Trimboli
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard of Polar Express.
PR Korti serial number 10.006.01, photographed by Henrik de Heij.
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard of Polar Express.
Photo by Henrik de Heij, number10-006-06.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
Örnen (2) (1969)
 
Örnen (2) was the FÅA steamer Wellamo (2), built in 1927. FÅA sold the Wellamo (2) in 1967 to Rauhanheimo in Kokkola. The ship was renamed Oulutar. Oulutar was put into service between Oulu and Luleå, and the route Kokkola-Härnösand. Oulutar was bought in May 1969 by Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab. She was renamed Örnen (2) and put on the route Vaasa-Örnsköldsvik. Örnen (2) was sold in September 1969, and was scrapped in Helsinki the following year. No postcards were made of her.
 
Photograph of Örnen (2).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fenno Express (1971-85)
 
Fenno Express was built in 1965 by Aalborg Skipsvaerft A/S, Ålborg, as the Prinsessan Desirée of Göteborg-Frederikshavn Linjen (Sessan Line). In 1970, Prinsessan Desirée was sold to Oy Vasa-Umeå Ab as the Fenno Express. In 1985 Fenno Express was sold to Oy Jakob Lines Ab, but was sold again in 1989 for service in the Far East. In 1996 she returned to the Mediterranean for further service.
 
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Fenno Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
Produced by Mainos Varteva. Photo: U. Heinonen
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Fenno Express.
Photo and production Kurt Björklund, Vaasa (Serial Number 263).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Postcard of Fenno Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Official Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab postcard of Fenno Express.
Produced by PR-Kortti Kustannus (Serial Number 10-006-10).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard of Fenno Express.
PR Korti serial number 10.006.02, photographed by Henrik de Heij.
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard of Fenno Express.
PR Korti serial number 10.006.07, photographed by Henrik de Heij.
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard of Fenno Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
Official Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna postcard (PR Kortti serial number 10.006.15) of Wasa Express (2) (right) and Fenno Express (left).
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
 
 
 
 
Scania Express (1971-76)
 
Scania Express was built in 1964 by Uddevallavarvet for Rederi Ab Svea. She entered service as Scania for Scandinavisk Linietrafik between Korsör-Kiel. In 1966 Scania moved to the Landskrona-Tuborg (Copenhagen) route. Scania was sold to Oy Vaasa-Umeå Ab in 1971 and renamed Scania Express. In 1976, Scania Express was sold to Rederi Ab Gotland and renamed Polhem for services to Visby until 1981, when she was sold to Agapitos Lines as Nereus. A complete postcard history of this ship is available on this link.
 
 
Official postcard of Scania Express.
Scan: Mikael Blomberg.
 
BildForm postcard U10 of Scania Express.
 
Grako Production (serial number 1240) postcard of Polar Express (alongside) and Scania Express.
Photo Giovanni Trimboli
 
 
 
 
 
Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 2 - Vaasanlaivat/Vasabåtarna - Page 3
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